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Start Innovating Early

The Advanced Research and Creativity in Honors (ARCH) program provides opportunities to Honors College students to engage in supervised research and creative projects in any subject field under the supervision of FIU faculty experts.

ARCH is open to all disciplines, because research, creative works and innovation are everywhere and for everyone!

How It Works

  1. Find a mentor, choose a research option and topic, then submit a completed application to participate in the ARCH program.
  2. Engage in advanced research and attend helpful online workshops. Take up to 6 credits to satisfy 1 Honors upper-division requirement.
  3. Work independently or as Honors in the Major for select programs. If applicable, participants write a thesis or comparable research report.

Application Deadlines

Application Deadlines
TermApplications Open For:Date
Summer 2026Honors in the MajorMonday, May 4
Fall 2026All ARCH PathwaysMonday, August 17
Spring 2027ARCH Project, Honors in the Major and ARCH ApprenticeshipMonday, December 14

ARCH Pathways

  • ARCH Apprenticeship (Fall or Spring)

    Duration: 1 semester, 0 credits

    The apprenticeship is for students looking for an introduction to research and who want to assist in an existing research lab. ARCH Apprentices will conclude the pathway with a five-page reflection on their lab experience.

    Please note, the ARCH Apprenticeship does not fulfill any upper-division Honors College course requirements.

    Learn about ARCH Apprenticeships

  • ARCH Proposal (Fall and Spring)

    Duration: 2 semesters (1 academic year), 0-3 credits per semester

    The proposal is for natural science or social science majors that don’t offer a thesis option, or for students who want to conduct rigorous research, including an opportunity to present at the Undergraduate Research Conference. 

    Learn about ARCH Proposals

  • Honors in the Major (Fall, Spring & Summer)

    Duration: 3 semesters (1 academic year)

    If your major offers a thesis option for Honors in the Major, the Honors College will count that work toward ARCH.

    College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) Senior Design and Capstone.

    The CEC Senior Design and Capstone is only eligible for enrollment in this pathway for students admitted before Fall 2025. Please email arch@fiu.edu with any questions or concerns.

    Learn about Honors in the Major

  • ARCH Project (Fall and/or Spring)

    Duration: 1 semester, 0-3 credits

    The project is for students completing a creative project in the humanities or arts, or for students who can only commit one semester to a research project.

    The ARCH Project can cover several written or creative activities, such as whitepapers, position papers, extended literature reviews, theory papers, performances and more. .

    Students may request to take this section for a second semester with a different topic.

    Learn about ARCH Projects

Tips for Choosing a Research Topic

  • Choose a topic you’re interested in
  • Find out who and what your topic will impact, as well as its scale
  • Talk to your professors about your ideas
  • Avoid choosing a topic that’s so broad you have to collect too much information
  • Avoid choosing a topic that’s so narrow you can’t find any information
  • Browse available resources (library, journals, etc.) before deciding on a topic

Showcasing Your Research

If you are participating in the ARCH program, you will have the opportunity to present their work at the FIU Undergraduate Research Conference, a multi-disciplinary event where you can connect with potential industry and graduate school recruiters.

You may also submit their work for publication in the FIU Undergraduate Research Journal (FIUURJ). The FIUURJ is a peer-reviewed academic journal that lets you build experience in the processes of editing, peer advisement and peer review common to the world of academic publication.

Hear from Past ARCH Students




Ready to Get Started?

Apply to the ARCH program to enhance your Honors College experience and start making your mark in the field of research.

Apply to ARCH

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I choose a topic?

    Decide and analyze your research interests (aligned with or outside your major).

    • Consider class topics that have caught your interest
    • Reflect on current or historical moments that inspired you to explore further
    • Revisit past projects from high school, previous college/university experiences, or personal work that you want to expand

    Explore FIU resources for inspiration:

    • FIU Discovery
    • Research labs, faculty publications and creative works on FIU websites

    Create or update your resume and cover letter before applying for research opportunities. Identify faculty or research teams whose work aligns with your interests.

    Schedule a meeting with the undergraduate research assistant director, Allen Varela, at alvarel@fiu.edu.

  • How do I find a mentor?

    Review research and publications by FIU faculty on their college profile pages, the Honors College Find a Mentor directory, or their profiles on FIU Discovery.

    Identify faculty whose work or activities interest you. We recommend reading some of their work to better understand their research interests, goals and methods.

    Connect with faculty members after class or via email.

    When communicating with prospective mentors, we recommend you:

    • Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your email—to discuss opportunities for research or creative work under their mentorship.
    • Mention specific details about their work and why it interests you.
    • Describe your goals and explain why you would like them to serve as your mentor or collaborate on their work.
    • Share your timeline for completing independent work or contributing to their research. Include your class schedule and availability.
    • Attach your resume and/or a pre-proposal outlining your ideas, methods, goals, and the potential impact of your work.
  • What if I am currently working on an independent project or am on a research team?

    You can apply to ARCH with work or activities you already have. ARCH does not assign a separate topic or mentor. This is your chance to complete independent work or gain experience based on your interests.

  • Can I still apply to ARCH if I am completing rigorous research or a creative work in a non-Honors College course?

    Yes. A non-Honors course where you complete a thesis, capstone or design project may be eligible for the Honors in the Major pathway. If you are not sure whether your course qualifies, email arch@fiu.edu with the following information:

    Subject Line: ARCH Course Request

    Email body:

    • Full Name
    • Panther ID
    • Course Code (Subject Prefix + Catalog Number; e.g., IDH 4001)
    • Course Description
    • 1-2 sentences describing the final assignment
  • What if I have no experience in research or creative work?

    Previous research experience is not required to begin independent work or apply for research opportunities.

    We suggest reflecting on past topics in class, work or life that align with your interests:

    • Subjects that sparked your curiosity or further reading
    • Independent work you have completed, such as social media posts, blogs, reviews or opinions on issues, science fair projects, business plans and more
    • Time spent reading articles or research publications by or about FIU faculty
  • What if I can’t find opportunities at FIU or never receive a response?

    Do not let a rejection or lack of responses stop you from starting independent work or continuing to apply. Keep trying, and you will eventually find the right opportunity for you.

    If you cannot find opportunities on campus, you may also explore off-campus options:

    For additional support, you may email ARCH assistant director Allen Varela at alvarel@fiu.edu.